Better Fuel Economy Lessens Oil Dependence

Re “Government Should Steer Clear of the Fuel Economy Issue,” Commentary, March 1: William N. Niskanen and Peter Van Doren would have us believe that increasing fuel economy increases our dependence on imported oil. By that logic, all we need to do to decrease our dependence on oil is to waste as much fuel as possible!

Then they whine about how corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards imposed on auto makers will increase the price of low-gas-mileage vehicles. I say, great! Why should I subsidize the gas hog who gets 10 miles to the gallon? If he can afford to burn gas like it’s water, then let him pay more for the luxury.

Then they propose a gas tax, which will hurt the poor much more than the rich. Real fair, that. And there’s more. They say that cars that use less gasoline per mile lead people to drive more--a “10% increase in mpg results in a 2% increase in vehicle miles traveled.” So what? That’s a net 8% decrease in fuel consumption, or don’t they teach math at the Cato Institute?

Joseph Barrett Bland

Sacramento

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Tougher gas mileage standards for America’s cars and trucks will result in real energy savings (“Bush Team to Oppose Democrats’ Fuel Standard Plan,” Feb. 28). But in opposing the Senate CAFE plan, the White House is endorsing a “do nothing” version included in energy legislation passed by the House last year.

The House provision weakens existing requirements for the Department of Transportation to increase gas mileage standards. And when coupled with a loophole for vehicles that can be run on ethanol (but almost never are), this plan will actually increase gas consumption, erasing any fuel savings and deepening the United States’ oil dependence.

The Senate bill, on the other hand, covers both cars and all light trucks and calls for ongoing increases in fuel efficiency through 2013, so its fuel savings will build with time. By 2015, for example, savings will equal more than 20 billion gallons per year.

Auto makers already have the technological capability to produce a substantial increase in fuel economy. Regulatory guidance to tap that potential is essential for America’s energy security as well as environmental protection.

John DeCicco

Senior Fellow

Environmental Defense

Washington